Guy Stanley Philoche's "Higher Learning" Collection Celebrates HBCUs and Education
Guy Stanley Philoche, a Haitian-American artist, is debuting his new collection, "Higher Learning," at the Atlanta Art Fair. The collection serves as a vibrant tribute to HBCUs and the enduring power of education, particularly in the face of attempts to erase Black history and limit imagination.
A Meditation on Knowledge and Legacy
Philoche's "Higher Learning" collection is a powerful statement on the importance of knowledge and the institutions that foster it. The canvases honor historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) such as Spelman College, Howard University, and Morehouse College, alongside institutions like Yale University and Brown University, emphasizing that education is both a pathway and a form of power.
“I believe that the most powerful resource that we have as a Black community is education. It really prepares us for these rooms that we’re fighting to get into,” Philoche tells theGrio.
Art as a Voice Against Erasure
For Philoche, who immigrated from Haiti as a child, education is both a privilege and a right. His art is a direct response to attempts to suppress voices and erase history. He views art as the "voice of the people," urging support for artists and art education to ensure these voices are heard.
“Art saved my life,” he shared. “It helped me when I came to the States... I found my voice and my place in the world through art.” Art is one of those things where... art is always the foreground of the battle. It always starts with political cartoons, then street art."
Inspiring Future Generations
The "Higher Learning" collection includes large-scale canvases for universities and smaller pieces for collectors. Philoche aims to inspire Black children to see themselves reflected in these institutions, fostering a sense of belonging and possibility, regardless of representation in those halls. He hopes to instill the idea that education is essential to achieving dreams.
“When parents and kids and collectors see this, but mostly kids, I want them to see themselves at these schools,” the artist explained. “Because here’s a kid who came from another country, didn’t speak the language… and through all that, you know, he did it."
The Atlanta Art Fair
Philoche's "Higher Learning" collection will be on display at the Atlanta Art Fair from September 25 to 28, 2025. The collection is a testament to the power of education, a defense of Black history, and a call to dream big in the face of adversity.
